Can my insurance company cancel my homeowners policy if I file a claim?

If you have hail or wind damage, you shouldn't be afraid to file a claim. Your insurer cannot cancel your policy due to storm damage and cannot raise your rates on the basis of your individual storm damage claim. Be aware, however, that insurance rates in your area can fluctuate whether or not you file a claim.

What is hail and how does it affect my home?

According to NOAA, National Severe Storms Laboratory, “Hail is precipitation that is formed when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere and freezes into ice. Hailstones grow by colliding with super cooled water drops. The stronger the updraft, the larger the hailstone can grow.” Large hail and strong winds can cause damage to a home’s roofing, siding, gutters, etc.

How can hail damage my roof?

Hail damage to asphalt shingles can cause granule loss, puncturing, soft spots or bruising that’s difficult for non-professionals to identify. In some cases, the damage from hail is strong enough to rupture the reinforcing mat, which exposes the underlying fibers (bitumen). Once these fibers are exposed, the shingle’s ability to shed water deteriorates, reducing the life-expectancy of the roof and allowing water to get into the house.